Measures taken by the European Parliament against Qatar, whose access to the assembly may be restricted as a result of an alleged corruption scandal, would have a "bad impact" on ties with the rich gas emirate and the world energy supply, Doha said on Sunday.
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| Doha, Qatar |
The beginning of an inquiry in Brussels, specifically targeting Greek MEP Eva Kaili, who is accused of being paid by Qatar to protect the interests of the country hosting the World Cup, has shook the institution.
MEPs voted almost unanimously in Strasbourg on Thursday (December 15) for a document in which they "request the suspension of access permits for representatives of Qatari interests" throughout the probe. The decision is made by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.
"The decision to impose such a discriminatory restriction on Qatar, limiting dialogue and cooperation before the legal proceedings are completed, will have a negative impact on regional and global security cooperation, as well as ongoing discussions on global energy scarcity and security," a Qatari diplomat responded on Sunday (December 18).
Qatar, along with the United States and Australia, is a major producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has been increasingly courted by European countries looking for an alternative to Russian gas.
MEPs, who were "appalled" by the alleged acts of corruption and money laundering, also agreed to stop "all work on legislative files connected to Qatar," including visa liberalization for Qatar and Kuwait, as well as an aviation agreement.
Qatar, which "firmly rejects" the allegations, laments "judgments based on false information given by leaks without waiting for the end of the inquiry," according to a news statement from the Qatari envoy.
While it is not the only nation included in Belgium's probe, he claims that criticism and assaults are directed "exclusively" at Qatar.
In answer to a journalist, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, stated on Thursday that she had "two meetings with officials of the Qatari government in Brussels" and had "refused" the Gulf country's request to address the European Parliament.
She also revealed she denied an offer from Qatar to attend the FIFA World Cup, citing her "concerns about this country" .
The emirate's apparent role in this affair, as well as the many problems on the Mondial - concerning human rights or ecological - did not deter French President Emmanuel Macron from traveling to Doha to participate in the final between France and Argentina on Sunday.
On Wednesday, he had already seen the France-Morocco semi-final.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Qatar emphasized its "strong" relationships with numerous European Union nations, expressing "thanks" to those who have proved their commitment to these links in the face of the current wave of assaults.
On the other side, the emirate chastised the Belgian government, which it described as a "close" partner and "essential supplier" of liquefied natural gas.